Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Ogden, UT

A Career Guide for Licensed Practical Nurses in Ogden, Utah

For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) looking for a change, Ogden, Utah, offers a compelling mix of affordability, mountain access, and a stable healthcare job market. Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, Ogden has shed its old boomtown image for a more diversified economy anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and education. This guide provides a data-driven look at what it’s really like to live and work here, from your paycheck and rent to your long-term career trajectory.

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The Salary Picture: Where Ogden Stands

Let's start with the numbers, because they tell the first half of the story. The LPN salary in Ogden sits slightly below the national average but is bolstered by a cost of living that is 4.9% lower than the U.S. average.

Median Salary: $53,817/year
Hourly Rate: $25.87/hour
National Average: $54,620/year

This median reflects a mix of experience levels and employers in the metro. While Ogden isn't a top-tier paying city for healthcare, the lower cost of living means your dollar goes further than in Salt Lake City or Park City.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically break down based on experience in the Ogden area. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and national benchmarks adjusted for the Ogden market.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Setting
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$46,000 - $50,000	Nursing homes, home health, orthopedic clinics
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$52,000 - $58,000	Hospital med-surg, surgical centers, school nurse
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$58,000 - $64,000	Specialty clinics (e.g., dialysis, wound care), charge nurse roles
Expert (15+ yrs)	$64,000+	Management, education, specialized clinical roles

Comparison to Other Utah Cities

Ogden's salary is competitive within its tier of Utah cities. It's not Salt Lake City, but it's also not a remote rural town.

City	Median LPN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Ogden	$53,817	95.1
Salt Lake City	$56,500	103.5
Provo/Orem	$54,200	101.2
St. George	$52,300	104.8
Cedar City	$49,800	90.5

Insider Tip: While starting salaries may look modest, many Ogden hospitals and nursing homes offer shift differentials ($2-$4/hour extra for evenings, nights, and weekends) and sign-on bonuses, especially for night shift positions. Always ask about these during interviews.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $53,817 doesn't mean $4,484 hits your bank account monthly. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a single LPN in Ogden.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,484
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, UT State): ~22% ($987)
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$3,497
• Average Ogden 1BR Rent: $1,108/month

Monthly Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,108	Median for a decent, safe area.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$180	Varies by season; higher in winter.
Groceries	$350	For one person.
Health Insurance	$250	If employer covers 70% of premium.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Assumes a moderate car payment + insurance.
Gas/Transport	$150	Ogden is car-dependent.
Misc. (Phone, Personal)	$300	Clothing, entertainment, etc.
Savings/Debt	$809	Leftover for student loans, retirement, savings.
TOTAL	$3,497	Matches net income.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. The median home price in Ogden is around $425,000. With a $53,817 salary, a 20% down payment ($85,000) is a significant hurdle. However, Utah has first-time homebuyer programs, and some lenders offer lower down payment options (e.g., FHA loans at 3.5%). A single LPN would likely need a partner or roommate to comfortably manage a mortgage payment of ~$2,000/month. Renting in the early years is the more financially prudent choice.

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Where the Jobs Are: Ogden's Major Employers

Ogden's healthcare network is anchored by a few major systems and several specialized facilities. Job growth is steady, with 174 jobs currently in the metro for LPNs and a 10-year job growth projection of 5%. This is slower than the national average, but the market is stable with always-present turnover in long-term care and home health.

1. McKay-Dee Hospital (Intermountain Health):
The largest employer in the region. As part of the Intermountain system, it offers a structured career path, solid benefits, and tuition reimbursement. They hire LPNs for med-surg, orthopedics, and same-day surgery. Hiring Trend: Constant, with a focus on night and weekend shifts. They prefer LPNs with IV certification.

2. Ogden Regional Medical Center (HCA Healthcare):
The other main hospital in town. It has a strong surgical and cardiac program. LPNs here often work in pre/post-op, dialysis, or on specialized floors. Hiring Trend: Competitive. They often poach from McKay-Dee and vice versa. Good for those seeking experience in a for-profit hospital system.

3. Mountain View Hospital (Intermountain Health):
A smaller, critical access hospital on the north end of the valley. It offers a more community-hospital feel. LPNs here might wear more hats and have a closer relationship with providers. Hiring Trend: Steady. Less turnover than the larger hospitals.

4. Northern Utah Nursing Homes (Multiple):
Ogden has several large nursing facilities, including The Family Place and Heritage Park Nursing Center. These are the backbone of LPN employment. Hiring Trend: Very high. These facilities are almost always hiring, especially for night shift CNAs transitioning to LPNs. It's the most reliable way to get a job quickly in Ogden.

5. Utah Home Health & Hospice:
Multiple agencies serve the area. Home health offers autonomy and a regular daytime weekday schedule. Hiring Trend: Growing, driven by an aging population. Requires a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

6. Ogden Clinic (Various Locations):
A large multi-specialty clinic group with locations across Weber County. LPNs work in family practice, orthopedics, and specialty clinics (e.g., dermatology, cardiology). Hiring Trend: Stable. Clinic jobs are highly sought-after for their regular hours and no weekends.

7. Davis School District (LPN for School Health):
While technically serving Davis County, many Ogden LPNs commute. School nurse LPNs provide care for students, manage medications, and handle emergencies. Hiring Trend: Limited openings, as these are coveted positions with summers off.

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Getting Licensed in UT

Utah is not a compact state. If you are licensed in another state, you must apply for a Utah license.

For New Graduates:

1. Education: Graduate from an accredited LPN program.
2. NCLEX-PN: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
3. Apply to the Utah Nursing Board: Submit application, official transcripts, and a background check. Fee: ~$100.
4. Timeline: From graduation to holding a Utah license can take 6-8 weeks if you have everything in order.

For Nurses Licensed in Another State (Endorsement):

1. Verification: Submit a verification of your original license from the state where you were licensed.
2. NCLEX-PN: If you passed the NCLEX in another state, Utah will accept it.
3. Background Check & Fees: Same as above. Fee: ~$100.
4. Timeline: The process can take 4-6 weeks. Insider Tip: Start the application process before you move. You can work under a temporary permit for up to 90 days while your permanent license is processed.

Utah State Board of Nursing: Always verify requirements directly at nursing.utah.gov.

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Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)s

Ogden is geographically compact, making most commutes under 20 minutes. The choice comes down to your lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown / 25th Street	Urban, walkable, historic. Close to McKay-Dee Hospital.	$1,150 - $1,350	Young professionals, foodies, those who want to avoid a commute.
East Bench / Mountain Road	Quiet, established, safe, with great mountain views.	$1,200 - $1,400	Families, those seeking peace and a short drive to hiking trails.
North Ogden / Harrisville	Suburban, newer builds, more space. Close to I-15.	$1,050 - $1,250	Commuters to Salt Lake City or those wanting a modern apartment.
Washington Terrace / South Ogden	Affordable, family-friendly, good parks.	$950 - $1,150	Budget-conscious LPNs, those working at Ogden Regional.
West Haven / Plain City	Rural, agricultural, very low density.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those wanting a country feel with a ~15-20 min drive to hospitals.

Insider Tip: The area immediately around 25th Street has gentrified, but walk a few blocks north or south and you can find more affordable older apartments. Always check the parking situation; some historic buildings have limited spaces.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

A Utah LPN license is a solid foundation, but advancement requires proactive planning.

Specialty Premiums:

• IV Certification: A must-have for hospital work. Most employers will pay for your certification course (~$200-$400). This instantly makes you more competitive.
• Gerontology: With a large aging population, expertise in geriatric care (including dementia care) is in high demand in nursing homes.
• Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius both have clinics in the area. These roles require specific training but offer higher pay and a predictable schedule.
• Wound Care: Certified Wound Care Nurses (CWCN) are needed in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead LPN / Charge Nurse: In nursing homes or clinics, taking on leadership duties.
2. LPN to RN Bridge Program: The most common advancement. Weber State University (in Ogden) has an excellent BSN program, and Salt Lake Community College has ADN programs. Many local employers offer tuition assistance. This is the single biggest career and salary mover.
3. Medical Assistant/Phlebotomy: Some LPNs branch into these roles for different schedules, though it's often a lateral move.

10-Year Outlook:
The 5% job growth reflects a stable, not explosive, market. Automation in healthcare is unlikely to replace direct patient care roles. The key will be specialization. The most successful Ogden LPNs in 2034 will be those who have specialized in high-demand areas (dialysis, wound care, gerontology) or have progressed to RN.

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The Verdict: Is Ogden Right for You?

Ogden is a pragmatic choice for an LPN. It's not a glamour city, but it offers a high quality of life for a professional who values outdoor access, affordability, and a manageable pace.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $53,817 salary goes much further here than in most metro areas.	Colder Winters: Snow and ice are a reality from November to March. You'll need a reliable car and winter driving skills.
Outdoor Access: World-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking are minutes away.	Slower Job Growth: Fewer new hospitals or clinics opening compared to booming Sun Belt cities.
Stable Job Market: Multiple major employers provide job security and options.	Limited Nightlife/Events: Quieter than Salt Lake City. Great for some, boring for others.
Short Commutes: You can live nearly anywhere and be at work in 15-20 minutes.	Less Diverse Pay Scale: Salary ceilings for non-RNs are lower than in high-cost coastal cities.
Gateway to Nature: Easy access to both the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake.	Smaller Metro: Fewer specialty clinics and niche opportunities compared to a major city.

Final Recommendation:
Ogden is an excellent choice for LPNs who are early to mid-career, value work-life balance, and want to build a life that includes outdoor recreation. It's perfect for those who may be considering an LPN-to-RN bridge program, as Weber State University is right there. If you're seeking the highest possible salary or a bustling urban lifestyle, Salt Lake City or a coastal city would be a better fit. But for a balanced, affordable, and stable career, Ogden is a hidden gem.

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FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new LPN graduates in Ogden?
It's moderately competitive. New graduates will likely need to start in long-term care (nursing homes) or home health to gain experience. Hospital jobs are more competitive and often require 1-2 years of experience or IV certification. Be persistent and apply widely.

2. Is it worth it to get my IV certification before moving?
Absolutely, yes. It costs you little and significantly increases your hireability at McKay-Dee, Ogden Regional, and many clinics. It's a clear differentiator on your resume.

3. What's the weather really like, and how does it affect healthcare?
Ogden has four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with regular snow (20-30 inches annually). This can lead to increased patient traffic (slip-and-falls, respiratory illnesses) and potential commuting challenges. Summers are hot and dry, perfect for outdoor activities after your shift.

4. Can I live in Ogden and commute to Salt Lake City for a job?
Yes, many do. The commute is about 35-45 minutes south on I-15. However, you'll be paying Ogden rent while earning a slightly higher Salt Lake City salary. Weigh the cost of gas and vehicle wear-and-tear against the salary difference. For many, staying in Ogden is simpler.

5. What are the biggest mistakes LPNs make when moving to Utah?
Two main ones: 1) Not understanding the weather and buying a car with good winter tires. 2) Underestimating the need for networking. Join the Utah Nurses Association (UNA) and attend local events. Many jobs are filled through word-of-mouth before they're ever posted online.